2018-2019 School Year

Dear Families of our Southwest Elementary Students,

Welcome to an exciting year at Southwest Elementary! We have an enthusiastic ongoing spirit of dedication to our children. Principal Mrs. Michelle Thigpen, along with Assistant Principals Mr. Chris Sciandra and Mrs. Jeanelle Lindsay are committed to continuing the high expectations and outstanding reputation of Southwest Elementary and want it to be the school you are proud to call your home. It is our hope you will feel the excitement in the halls and become an integral part of your child’s education and the volunteer system at Southwest!

We know a new school year is both an exciting and emotional time for parents and children alike. There is so much to learn and you may have some questions about the school. Rest assured you will soon be familiar with the school and its programs. And while you received a complete Student Handbook, we know more questions will arise. The school office and PTA are here to help you get connected.

You also have the opportunity to become an important part of your child’s school by joining the PTA. The cost is only $8 per person which includes a calendar with GCS, PTA and school activity dates for the year. And while we hope that you will decide to become a part of our volunteer network, it is not a requirement for membership in the PTA. There are, however, many ways in which your membership and time can benefit your child and his/her school (see included form). Please help us to show the county just how strong our voices can be by joining today!

As mentioned, there several volunteer opportunities available at SWE. Please do not let fear or inexperience or schedule keep you from being a part of your child’s school experience! There are many experienced volunteers and our SWE staff who are willing to assist you in learning and many different opportunities available for all kinds of schedules and families. Together we can enhance the great education our children receive from the many wonderful teachers and opportunities at Southwest!

As part of the Guilford county school system, if you would like to volunteer at the school in any capacity, please take a few minutes to go to www.gcsvolunteers.com and register or reactivate the GCS Volunteer form. This is a safety measure to make sure our students and staff remain safe at all times. It is required to be in the class rooms, on field trips and any activities with our students. It is done through the school system and will have various options like the ones you will see on the included Volunteer Opportunity form with additional options that are not specifically done at all schools - feel free to flag classroom and keep moving.

Another way we ensure safety and security is for the school doors to automatically lock at 7:45 a.m. and remain locked for the day. Parents and visitors who arrive after 7:45 a.m. are to use the main entrance and buzzer located to the right of the door and staff will then provide access. Whether visiting the school for volunteer work or visiting your child for lunch, all parents and visitors must report to the school office and sign in and obtain a sticker identifying yourself to school personnel as you travel throughout the hallways. The school administration takes school safety very seriously. Additionally, the hours logged by the volunteers are recognized and rewarded by the county.

For more and on going information about Southwest Elementary School -

You can go to the Southwest Elementary School website or the GCS App to stay current on events, contact information, etc., about the school.

GCS App: https://www.gcsnc.com/Page/26480

The school also has Social Media accounts:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/swescowboys/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/swes_gcs

Instagram: @swes_gcs

PTA Facebook: www.facebook.com/PTAatSWE/

SWE Spirit Wear Store: https://www.swgesspirit.com/

You will undoubtedly have many more questions about your child’s school experience. You will receive more information from your child’s teacher throughout the year, regular phone messages from the administration and regular updates from the PTA at our monthly meeting the first Monday of every month at 6:30pm in the media center. Our friendly and knowledgeable office staff is always available to answer questions and never overlook the valuable asset you have in friends, neighbors and family members who have “been there, done that.”

We look forward to getting to know you your family at our various family events and we are glad that you chose Southwest Elementary!